San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Advocating the interests of riders in San Francisco, California

Injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents often prove catastrophic. Common motorcycle injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and burns, as well as death. The San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Attorneys of Needham Kepner & Fish LLP, based in San Francisco, Calif., represents victims of motorcycle accidents and their families throughout the Bay Area.

Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Northern California

The negligence of car and truck drivers plays a major role in causing motorcycle accidents. Drivers often change lanes in front of motorcycles without signaling. Because of the greater maneuverability of a motorcycle, automobile drivers lose track of where the motorcycle is in relation to their car. On any California street, motorcycle riders must assume they are unseen by car drivers.

Defective motorcycle parts and poorly maintained roadways also are common causes of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather hazards and dangerous road conditions such as oil spills, debris and potholes. After performing a thorough investigation, a motorcycle accident lawyer at our San Francisco firm identifies the potential sources of recovery and helps clients collect the compensation they deserve.

Lane splitting is legal in California

California is one of the few states where motorcyclists can legally engage in lane splitting — sliding between two lanes of car traffic. Rules that went into effect in early 2013 allow motorcyclists to split lanes only when traffic is moving slower than 30 mph. Also, while lane splitting, motorcyclists can go only 10 mph faster than the cars they are driving between.

If a motorcycle is struck by a car while the rider is lane splitting, the biker can recover damages — if the driver of the car was negligent. However, the biker’s recovery may be reduced if the jury finds that the motorcyclist was partially at fault.

Contact an experienced San Francisco motorcycle accident law firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, consult our experienced San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as possible so we can begin investigating the accident, examining the accident scene, contacting witnesses, and preserving evidence. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 1-408-956-6949 or use our online form. Our lawyers are available for weekend and evening meetings. If you are unable to visit our office, we will come to your home or hospital. We handle injury cases on a contingent fee basis, which means that you pay us nothing unless you recover compensation.